Outlaw said most event-goers like creating and taking home the pottery in the same day. However, to make sure there is enough time for the Raku pottery event, Outlaw recommends all interested people stop by their booth first.

"You can paint first and then enjoy the rest of the festival," Outlaw said.

Outlaw Pottery has a special connection to this year's Music and Mud festival. One of the school's first students will have a booth at the event selling her own pottery.

Cindy Roberts, of Claremont, started at the school about two years ago with no pottery experience, but now, she creates pottery inspired by her life as a farmer and cook.

"It's pottery you can use," Roberts said.

Some of Roberts' pieces of pottery include utilitarian pieces and bottles with animal faces.

"She is one of our first students and one of the first ones showing art," Outlaw said.

Music and Mud "is by artists for artists." In addition to Outlaw Pottery School, Gallery and Supply, as well as Roberts' booth, there will be many other potters set up throughout the Newton-Conover Auditorium showcasing their many creations.

The festival is 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday at the auditorium. The event is free to the public.

Sponsors for this year's event include The Observer News Enterprise and Outlook, Medicap Pharmacy, Newton-Conover City Schools, Outlaw Pottery, Jim and Peggy Templeton, Hyperformance Graphics, The Trott House Inn, Matthews Construction, Special Events Services, BB&T Newton-Main, United Arts Council of Catawba County, Woodlief Electric, The Cove Church and Pin Station.

The O-N-E will highlight various artists in each edition leading up to Music and Mud. For more information, visit www.newton-conoverauditorium.org or call (828) 464-8100.